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The New Orleans Saints started their defense of the  Super Bowl title on the right note last night, defeating Minnesota 14-9 in a game in which both teams looked a little rusty. You’d like to say it was a defensive battle but between Brett Favre not being in synch with his receivers and Garrett Hartley missing field goals it wasn’t exactly a great display of execution by either team. But the bottom line is it’s great to have NFL football back. Here are my predictions for this weekend’s opening games:

Cincinnati at New England – the Pats are favored and are usually tough to beat at home, but the Bengals are a better team than I had originally figured and will give them a tough test. Still, I like New England to pull out a win in the 4th quarter, wiping the taste out of their mouths of their last home game, the shocking playoff loss to the Ravens last year.

Cleveland at Tampa Bay – both these teams are looking to turn around their fortunes this season, and both finished last season on a high note. I like Tampa Bay at home because they are entering season 2 under Josh Freeman at QB, while Jake Delhomme starts his first game for the Browns. I expect more consistent offensive play from the Bucs for that reason.

Miami at Buffalo – the Bills defeated Miami at home last season when the team was winding down a bad year under interim coach Perry Fewell. Miami’s running game will rack up yardage on the Bills’ new 3-4 defense but the Bills will match them in the rushing department and make enough plays in the passing game and on special teams to pull out a win before a raucous home crowd.

Indianapolis at Houston –  the Colts have owned the Texans over the years, so it should be an easy pick here. I’m going to go against the grain and pick Houston to pull off an upset. The Colts do have some weaknesses that can be exploited and I just feel the Texans will approach the game as their Super Bowl and grind out a tough win at home.

Denver at Jacksonville – I don’t expect much out of the Jaguars this season but feel that they will knock off Denver at home to open the season, with Maurice Jones-Drew having a big game to lead the way.

Atlanta at Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh’s season will depend on how they survive their first 4 games while Ben Roethlisberger serves his suspension. Atlanta is going to have a big season this year and will start it off on the right foot with a big road win here in a low scoring game.

Oakland at Tennessee – the Raiders are on the rise, but I see Jason Campbell struggling on the road in his first start for them, and the Titans winning handily. Oakland had a horrible run defense last season and has made changes to correct the problem, but Chris Johnson should have a big day.

Carolina at N.Y. Giants – based on last season it’s tempting to pick the Panthers here, but I see the Giants coming out with an inspired effort, especially on defense, in the opening game of their new stadium, and pulling out a tough, well-earned win to start what I think is going to be a big rebound year for them.

Detroit at Chicago – Matthew Stafford has a huge day, the Lions’ defense comes up with a couple turnovers and coach Jim Schwartz’s team pulls off the upset of the day at Soldier Field. Jay Cutler will have a better season this year, but struggles in the opener.

Arizona at St. Louis – the Cardinals use their running game and some well-timed deep throws to Larry Fitzgerald to pull off a close win over the Rams.

Green Bay at Philadelphia – the Packers are the chic pick to win the Super Bowl this year, and open the season with a big road win as Aaron Rodgers has a huge day and the Packer defense, shredded in the playoffs last year, plays an inspired game and shuts down new Eagle QB Kevin Kolb.

San Francisco at Seattle –   the Seahawks are clearly rebuilding under Pete Carroll and the Niners are being touted as the team to beat in the NFC West this year. I’m not sure how coach Mike Singletary’s team will handle the higher expectations this year overall, but they’ll pound out a big win in the opener, with Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree being big factors.

Dallas at Washington – in one of the NFL’s best rivalries, I see the Cowboys spoiling Mike Shanahan’s debut with a big win, as Tony Romo exploits the Skins’ secondary and has a big night passing, and the ‘Boys 3-headed monster at running back wears down the defense.

Baltimore at N.Y. Jets – the pressure starts to mount on the Jets and their brash Super Bowl dreams, as they get battered by a team that is a REAL championship contender, the Ravens. Baltimore has some weaknesses on defense but on offense QB Joe Flacco is coming of age and I see him orchestrating a game plan that mixes the run and pass well and surprisingly racks up large chunks of yardage on the Jets’ top-ranked defense.

San Diego at Kansas City – Matt Cassel plays well, Jamaal Charles has a big night running the ball and the Chiefs pull off the upset at home.